Newcastle United target Pepe Reina is “fundamental” to Napoli’s style of play and “loyal” to the club, insists the Serie A side’s manager - who stresses he wants to keep the goalkeeper.

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez is believed to have explored the possibility of a third reunion with Reina at St James’ Park this summer, having already signed the 34-year-old for Liverpool and then Napoli.

But United have baulked at Napoli’s £5million asking price for a player who has only one year left on his contract.

Benitez remains keen to bring in a goalkeeper this summer, however, and has looked into the possibility of signing free agent Willy Caballero, who was released by Manchester City last month.

Though Newcastle still retain an interest in Reina, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Napoli will be willing to sell given their manager’s latest comments.

Pepe Reina (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Maurizio Sarri, who led Napoli to a third-placed Serie A finish last season and Champions League qualification in the process, believes Reina’s footballing ability means he plays a crucial role in how the team plays - even if the Spanish former World Cup winner has made a few mistakes in recent months.

“Pepe has been for us an amazing guy and I hope he will continue to be,” Sarri told Italian publication Corriere dello Sport when about Reina’s future at Napoli.

“He is an absolute reference point for the staff, to the locker room; he is a man of great moral values, of humanity and football, and he submits them to the group.

“I hope he stays our goalkeeper, beyond the discussions that may have done take place with the president.

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“He’s a faithful man, who is loyal to the coach, and Pepe brings this feeling into the dressing room.

“He may also have made some mistakes, but he has better feet than any other goalkeeper in the world.”

Newcastle currently have Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Matz Sels as goalkeepers at the club, with both Tim Krul and Freddie Woodman also due to return from loans at AZ Alkmaar and Kilmarnock respectively.